Amarnath Yatra: Journey of faith

Amidst chants of 'Bum Bum Bole', over 22,000 devotees set off from Baltal and Pahalgam base camps on Wednesday for pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine, marking the formal start of the annual yatra.

  • Amidst chants of 'Bum Bum Bole', over 22,000 devotees set off from Baltal and Pahalgam base camps on Wednesday for pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine, marking the formal start of the annual yatra. (AP Photo)
    Amidst chants of 'Bum Bum Bole', over 22,000 devotees set off from Baltal and Pahalgam base camps on Wednesday for pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine, marking the formal start of the annual yatra. (AP Photo)
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  • The yatra culminates inside the sanctum sanctorum of the cave shrine, housing the naturally-formed ice 'lingam' of Lord Shiva. (AFP Photo)
    The yatra culminates inside the sanctum sanctorum of the cave shrine, housing the naturally-formed ice 'lingam' of Lord Shiva. (AFP Photo)
  • Over 13,000 pilgrims started from Baltal base camp, about 110 km from Srinagar, leading to the 3,880-metre high cave shrine. (AP Photo)
    Over 13,000 pilgrims started from Baltal base camp, about 110 km from Srinagar, leading to the 3,880-metre high cave shrine. (AP Photo)
  • Around 9,000 pilgrims also started their two-day trek to the holy cave through the traditional Pahalgam route. (AP Photo)
    Around 9,000 pilgrims also started their two-day trek to the holy cave through the traditional Pahalgam route. (AP Photo)
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  • Security has been beefed up along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and on both Baltal and Pahalgam routes to ensure smooth conduct of the yatra. (PTI Photo)
    Security has been beefed up along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and on both Baltal and Pahalgam routes to ensure smooth conduct of the yatra. (PTI Photo)
  • Over 10,000 paramilitary and police personnel have been deployed along the yatra routes. (AP Photo)
    Over 10,000 paramilitary and police personnel have been deployed along the yatra routes. (AP Photo)
  • The authorities have made elaborate arrangements for the convenience of the pilgrims. (AFP Photo)
    The authorities have made elaborate arrangements for the convenience of the pilgrims. (AFP Photo)
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  • Shelters and 'langars' have been set up at Baltal and Pahalgam base camps and other stations along the traditional route. (AP Photo)
    Shelters and 'langars' have been set up at Baltal and Pahalgam base camps and other stations along the traditional route. (AP Photo)
  • More than 2.50 lakh pilgrims have registered for this year's pilgrimage, which will conclude on August 13 - coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. (PTI Photo)
    More than 2.50 lakh pilgrims have registered for this year's pilgrimage, which will conclude on August 13 - coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. (PTI Photo)
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